Richmond Food News: Week of Sept. 21-25

How do you feel about learning what's in store at this year's Folk Feast? What about news on that new Hardywood and Trader Joe's collaboration? Maybe you're into new restaurants, UCI parties and other great weekend events? Read on for these and more, if that's your thing. (I know it's mine.)

Let's kick things off with the menu for Folk Feast, shall we? Nothing like a good preview of the unlimited small plates to come on Oct. 6 to get all of our mouths watering. Here's the lineup from 19 Richmond restaurants, bakeries and vendors. (Since this chart was sent, Lucy's added its course: local Monrovia farm braised short ribs over Byrd's Mill grits, pickled shallots and horseradish cream.) Grab your tickets here and kick off the annual Richmond Folk Festival in the most delicious of fashions. (Remember how delicious it was last year?) (Richmond Folk Festival)

New season, new look: Westover Hills' taZa Coffee 'n Creme is getting a menu and space revamp, plus a new name, to celebrate its five-year anniversary on Oct. 5. You can find all of the details right over here, but know there will be burgers and beer in the near future of this South Side spot. (Richmond magazine)

And more good dining news: After more than a month of construction delays, the Fan's Strawberry Thai and More opened last night with a limited menu, and will continue serving a limited dinner menu until the end of the Races, at which point owner/chef Jojo Best will launch her full lunch and dinner menu that's full of house-made rice noodles, curries and sauces. BONUS: The spot offers a cold case with takeout options, as well as a small Asian market with snacks and sake. (Richmond magazine)

Meanwhile, in the Innsbrook area, the East Coast will meet the West Coast at Tahoes California Grill, a California-inspired restaurant set to open in October at 3601 Cox Road. (RichmondBizsense)

PSA: The State Fair of Virginia opens tomorrow with funnel cake galore! Here's our ode to the iconic state fair foods you'll find there, plus where you can get these insane, battered, sugary eats around town in the off season. (Richmond magazine)

Both Hardywood and Trader Joe's have amassed their own cult followings over the years, so of course it makes sense that the two inevitably team up for a beer collaboration that will probably drive hordes to both locations. The Hibiscus Tripel is now available in 750ml bottles at Trader Joe's, and on draft at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. Get on it. (Style Weekly)

In more #BoozeNews, downtown's Lift Coffee Shop just got its ABC license, which means spiked lemonade and bloody Marys on the patio. (Lift Coffee Shop)

And the UCI World Championships Races haven't necessarily been as good for the Richmond restaurant community as we'd all hoped, with sales down for a number of restaurants across the city. Hopefully, now that we're reaching the climax of the races, business will pick up, but please let this serve as a reminder that we can all get out there any day of the week, and eat some delicious food and enjoy some great beverages, all while supporting the restaurants that help to make this dining scene so great. (WRIC)

Looking to head someplace to the west? Our review of Willow Lawn's Family Meal is now online for all your celebrity-chef-spins-on-comfort-food needs. (Richmond magazine)

And now for a very event-full weekend:

On Friday at 2 p.m. or on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., get a taste of history at a Virginia Historical Society-led tour through the early years of beer and cider production, advertising and its role in Virginia's alcohol landscape. (Virginia Historical Society)

Saturday, Saturday, Saturdayyy head to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for the 4th Annual Richmond International Food Festival. Sample African, Filipino, Polish, Vietnamese, French and Mexican cuisine (and more), plus catch live cultural performances and music. 8 a.m. to dusk. (Richmond International Food Festival)

And of course there are a number of UCI-inspired events to check out throughout the weekend. Dinamo's multiday UCI party launched tonight, offering race viewing, food, a beer garden and Rapha accessories and clothing. (RVANews)

On Sunday Main Street Station will host an outdoor market with beer trucks and food from local vendors, plus shopping at stands from Richmond shops and makers. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot across from the station. (Main Street Station)

On Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., catch a beer garden along the course at 17th Street Farmers' Market with Ardent Craft Ales, Blue Bee Cider, Isley Brewing Co., Hardywood, Stone Brewing Co. and Triple Crossing. Craft beer and cider will only set you back $6. (Blue Bee Cider)

Also on Sunday, The Roosevelt is celebrating the close of UCI with a party! (What? YES.) The restaurant will open for its Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and then switch over to a limited menu with full bar until who even knows when. They're going to keep the party going for as long as they can, so stopping by could be in your best interest, no matter the time. (The Roosevelt)

In the week's (inter)national links:​

Tinder but for food: in-the-works mobile app Foodie uses swipe preferences to determine what food in your area is "hot," and will potentially give you a chat room to talk about said "hot" and "trending" food items, presumably with other users who are looking to "hook up" for a meal. Will probably be 1,000 percent less sketchy than actual Tinder, and hopefully more delicious. (Uproxx)

Meanwhile, some guy found $1,300 in a Domino's box that was supposed to house his order of chicken wings, and gave the money back. Clearly he's not a Slytherin. I'm now using this story as an excuse to order and eat all the wings I want for the rest of my life, just in case. (First We Feast)

Have you ever been gettin' down on some fried rice / gloopy pudding / SpaghettiOs and thought, "This would be a great image to share with everyone who Internet stalks me!"? Well, congratulations, now there's a free selfie spoon thanks to Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I just can't with that, so I'm going to just end the post there. (Buzzfeed)